Express rally past Omaha 5-2

Here's a summary of the game tonight between the Storm Chasers and the Round Rock Express, as issued in a press release from the Express:

ROUND ROCK, Texas – Matt Kata’s game-winning, two-run homer keyed a four-run fifth inning as the Round Rock Express rallied past the Omaha Storm Chasers 5-2 in Monday night’s Pacific Coast League action at The Dell Diamond. It was the first home run of the season for Kata, who is in his third season as a member of the Express.

Brian Barden broke up Everett Teaford’s no-hit bid with a one-out, wind-aided single in the fifth. After Brad Nelson struck out, Kata followed with a two-out homer that easily cleared the Express bullpen beyond the left-centerfield wall. That erased a 2-1 Omaha lead, and the Express never trailed again. Taylor Teagarden followed with a solo homer, and Endy Chavez capped the frame with an RBI double.

Meanwhile, three Round Rock pitchers combined to hold Omaha to three hits on the night. David Lough had a first-pitch solo homer in the first inning, and Clint Robinson led off the top of the fifth with a home run. Omaha’s only other hit on the night was Johnny Giavotella’s one-out bunt single in the seventh.

Starter Derek Hankins (1-0) worked 5.0 innings and allowed only the two solo homers with two strikeouts. Ramon Aguero walked the first batter he faced in the sixth on four pitches but disposed of the next three batters on six pitches. Zach Phillips worked the final three frames without allowing a run; he walked one and struck out three.

Teaford (0-1) took the loss, allowing five runs – four earned – on five hits and no walks with seven strikeouts over 4.2 innings.

Barden and Nelson each had two hits on the night. Barden extended his hitting streak to 25 games, dating back to last season. Chris Davis suffered his first hitless game of the season, going 0-for-4; however, he did record an RBI for the fifth consecutive game, scoring Esteban German on an RBI groundout in the first.

Round Rock and Omaha continue their four-game series Tuesday with a 7:05 p.m. CDT first pitch at The Dell Diamond. It will be dueling southpaws with Michael Kirkman (0-1, 27.00 ERA) going for the Express and Mike Montgomery (0-1, 9.00 ERA) taking the mound for the Storm Chasers.